Influenza (the flu) is a contagious viral illness that affects up to 20% of Americans every year. The influenza virus attacks the upper respiratory tract, causing chills, fever, muscle aches, headache and fatigue. In very young and older people, the Influenza virus poses serious health risks. Every year, 36,000 people lose their life from complications to Influenza.

According to the Center For Disease Control (CDC), annual vaccinations are the single best way to protect against Influenza. For more than 60 years, Influenza vaccines have been helping to limit the spread of infection. Today, the safe and effective use of Influenza vaccines is saving thousands of lives every year.

Almost 100 years ago, a pandemic of Influenza (the Spanish Flu) claimed over 40 million lives as it spread from America to the rest of the world. Today, pandemics of Influenza are rare, however, every single year, the United States experiences an epidemic of Influenza as millions of people get sick. Fortunately, 132 million doses of vaccine were available to the public last year, and many lives were saved.

The most critical feature of Influenza is that it spreads quickly from person to person through small saliva droplets in the air. Healthy adults deal with Influenza infection quite well; unfortunately, children and older populations do not. Children are especially efficient transmitters of Influenza and have high rates of infection. Every year, 20,000 children under 5 years are hospitalized because of Influenza complications. Older persons typically have weakened immune systems and are subject to developing life-threatening complications following an Influenza infection.

Your health is the most important thing in the world. If the box to the right describes you or a loved one, I strongly urge you to receive the Influenza vaccine. If you are a healthy adult looking for extra health protection throughout the winter season, Influenza vaccination is a safe and effective approach.The Center For Disease Control (CDC) has deemed December 8-14, 2008 National Influenza Vaccination Week. Since most influenza infections occur in January and February, it is important to have your vaccination prior to the New Year.

Please contact Independent Nursing Care for more information or to get tested. Millions of people in this country will get The Flu this year. Some will die unnecessarily. Be an advocate for those people. Spread the word. Beat the Bug.

Still looking for extra health protection throughout the flu season? Then check out the links below: